RODENTS

ROOF RATS AND MICE

The Roof Rat is an introduced species of rat native to southern Asia. It was brought to America on the first ships to reach the New World and has spread around the world. This rat is the same species that carried the bubonic plague around the world and is also the reservoir host for murine typhus. Roof Rats are the worst rodent pest in the State of Florida and most abundant. A typical roof rat is between 13 and 18 inches long from nose to tail. It is commonly known as the black rat or palm squirrel, but is often dark brown in color. Unlike other rats, their tails are longer than the length of their bodies and they have large ears. Roof rats will nest in trees, woodpiles, garbage and plants, but they generally like inside high places, like attics. They are good climbers and only need a hole the size of a quarter to gain entry. They primarily consume fruits and nuts, although they will eat anything. They tend to hoard food for consuming later. They are known for hollowing out citrus fruit in trees. Control of roof rats is not an easy task. Professional Pest Management is needed to control these pests. The tools of a Professional Pest Control Technician includes; the knowledge of cultural control (prevention and habitat management): Physical control (trapping and exclusion): Biological control (predators like snakes): and if needed chemical control (rodent baits and repellents).

The Florida House Mouse weighs less than an ounce. It can fit in a crack of only a quarter inch. They can and do get everywhere. If your house has food and any small openings, eventually mice will find their way in. A single mouse can’t eat a whole lot, but they nibble on many foods and defecate on everything, mice destroy considerably more food than they consume. They can also spread diseases. Some examples of diseases that can be spread by mice or rats are salmonellosis (food poisoning), rickett-sialpox, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis. Mice may also carry leptospirosis, ratbite fever, tapeworms, and organisms that can cause ringworm (a fungal skin disease) in humans. They like to chew and gnaw everything, and will often chew on electrical wires, creating a fire hazard.

Collier Pest Control can eliminate unwanted rodent infestations, with our exclusive Rodent Treatment. We will place control trapping equipment in all active areas on the interior of your home or building and set up exterior rodent control baiting stations around the outside of your home or building. We then will monitor and remove any trapped rodents every other day until there is no more rodents active inside your home or building. Permanent Exterior Rodent Baiting Stations are available for an extra onetime fee.

Collier Pest Control has the knowledge, experience, and a highly trained staff to be able to control and protect you from Florida’s rodent problems. If you live in Naples, Fort Myers, or Bonita Springs, or anywhere in beautiful Southwest Florida call 239-455-4300, Collier Pest Control for a full explanation on any of our services, or look us up on our web site at collierpestcontrol.com. Remember Florida does not have to be shared with pests.